Online card battling games are nothing new on iOS, although high quality apps are very rare. Spellstorm is absolutely one of the best in this genre. The basic premise is to gather creature cards, level them up, and battle against online opponents. This particular app offers this and much more with its outstanding graphics, intuitive interface, and extensive gameplay.

One of the most unique features of this game is the fact that it also incorporates an intriguing storyline. As players explore the various lands, characters are introduced and dialogue develops. This gives players another purpose to play the game, other than just to do battle against other players.

In order to explore the different areas, energy must be spent. Once depleted, players can choose to make an in-app purchase to get more energy to keep playing right away, or wait in real time until the energy in recharged. Even though the freemium aspect exists here, the game may be comfortably played without the need to make additional purchases.

Along the way, additional cards are collected. These cards may be played in battle, or sacrificed to enhance other cards in the deck. Each creature card can be leveled up by adding to its battle points and health. Special artifacts and weapons may be added to creature cards to further enhance their strength and capabilities. When a battle ensues, one card is played at a time. Some cards attack more often than others, which forces the player to come up with a strategy before a battle begins.

Cards may be swapped for more powerful ones or for cards with special capabilities. The battles may be watched or players may choose to skip directly to the results. As a result of the high quality graphics, sound, and animations, I found myself wanting to watch the battles each time rather than skip over them.

With numerous lands to explore and a wide variety of cards to collect, Spellstorm is absolutely an addicting game that keeps players coming back for more. For those players who think they could never be a fan of this genre, this game may just change their minds.

iPhone Screenshots

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iPad Screenshots

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